The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has donated school uniforms to 55 pupils at Lwazi Primary School in Gugulethu.
The donations were handed over in the school hall on Thursday October 3 and included shoes, jackets, underwear, vests, tracksuits, shirts, ties, raincoats, socks, trousers and shorts for the boys and skirts or dresses for the girls.
The school’s teachers had helped to identify the most needy pupils.
Sassa Gugulethu team leader Mzoxolo Gomba said they planned to make further donations to needy pupils in the area.
Ngeniswa Mbalentle, a single, unemployed mother whose two children benefited from the donation, said: “I am over the moon for this gesture. It has been tough from my side to buy uniforms for two children, one doing Grade 6 and the other in Grade 2. I am the most relieved mother today. I do not have to worry about buying a uniform in January.”
Another parent Ntombizanele Makhananda, said her child would now be able to wear a school uniform with pride.
“I am excited for him. I could not offer him a full uniform but now he has everything. I feel that his and my dignity is restored. Thanks to the school and the donors,” she said.
Deputy principal Nothemba Mbekeni said having a full school uniform helped to boost a pupil’s confidence.
Staff had had to club and buy uniforms and food for some of the children in the past she said.
“We all know that the sense of identity and belonging comes with having the uniform,” she said.
